65: Chapter 65 The Return to the Origin

At the northeast exit of the Tiannan Ruins, the three enormous phantoms that had once opened the "Gate of Guixu" had long since faded into silence, once again shrouded by the thick, gray-black "Guixu Mist," returning to a dead, dangerous sea.

The scene from the past—crowds bustling with noise and cloud ships blotting out the sky—had long since dispersed, leaving behind only a few traces of the great battle, as well as the occasional loose Cultivator wandering here, attempting to scavenge for scraps or settle old grudges.

On this day, several years had passed since the "Gate of Guixu" closed.

Above the calm sea, a seemingly ordinary patch of the Void Realm suddenly rippled with an extremely faint, almost imperceptible distortion that would go unnoticed unless one was specifically looking for it.

The ripples expanded, and silently, a distorted space rift, wide enough for only a few people to pass through, tore open.

Three streams of light flashed out from the rift, instantly appearing a hundred zhang above the surface of the sea.

The light faded, revealing three figures.

Leading them was Lin Wan. He wore a simple green robe and carried a sword of chaotic color on his back. His expression was calm, his gaze as deep as an ancient well, and his aura was restrained, yet he possessed an inherent majesty like a deep pool or a towering mountain, one that inspired awe in those who beheld him.

His Nascent Soul Great Perfection cultivation was already the pinnacle here. Combined with the transformation of his Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed and the Dao rhyme that made him feel as if he had merged with heaven and earth after binding with the Five Elements Barrier, he appeared subtly out of place with his surroundings even without deliberately releasing his aura, yet at the same time, it felt as if this was exactly how it should be.

On his left, Han Lingtian, dressed in black and holding his sword, had a cold expression. His aura was as heavy and solid as a mountain, with thick, sharp Sword Qi faintly circulating around him. His cultivation had clearly stabilized at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, and his Foundation was incredibly solid; it was evident that he had gained a great deal from this trip.

On his right, Liao Chen wore a moon-white monk's robe and held a Zen staff. He looked solemn and dignified, with inner Buddha light and a righteous, peaceful aura. His cultivation was also approaching the Nascent Soul Middle Stage, and his mastery of Buddhism had become even more refined and perfect.

The three appeared and swept their gazes over this familiar yet strange sea area. When they had left, this place was the center of the storm where the Guixu Sea had opened, but now it had returned to dead silence.

Only the faint, unique aura of the Guixu Sea in the air, along with the ceaseless gray-black mist in the direction of the Heavenly Ruins in the distance, reminded them that the thrilling adventure had not been an illusion.

"Finally... we are back." Han Lingtian looked toward the Tiannan Ruins, let out a long breath, and a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes. Having been away from home for many years, experiencing life and death, and seeing his cultivation greatly improved, his state of mind was no longer what it used to be.

"Amitabha, the Tiannan Ruins remain the same, but the people and things have changed. I wonder what the state of the outside world has been these past few years," Liao Chen also sighed softly.

Lin Wan did not speak, simply sensing quietly. The Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed between his brows seemed to be under some slight suppression here, not as "at ease" as it was deep within the Heavenly Ruins or inside the Five Elements Barrier, but he could still clearly sense the clearer call stemming from "bonds" toward the Tiannan Ruins and the more distant Qingyun Sect.

It was the auras of Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun; the auras of Peak Master Yue Lingyun and True Monarch Daoxuan; and the familiar, grass-scented fluctuations of Spiritual Qi from the Qingyun Sect... Although separated by a vast distance, making the sensation blurry, that sense of attachment and anticipation was incredibly real.

"Let's go. We will first return to the Qingyun Courtyard in the Tiannan Ruins to understand the situation over the past few years before returning to the Sect," Lin Wan said. Although he was eager to return home, he knew that the Tiannan Ruins were a hub for information and that they needed to first investigate the situation in the outside world, especially regarding news of "the end" and the state of the Qingyun Sect in recent years.

The three did not delay further; each employed their escape techniques, transforming into three streams of light of different colors, and sped off toward the Tiannan Ruins.

With their current cultivation, their travel speed far exceeded what it had been before. In less than half a day, that massive, chaotic, yet vibrant giant city floating between the sea and the sky—the Tiannan Ruins—was already visible in the distance.

Compared to when they left years ago, the Tiannan Ruins seemed even more prosperous and vast. The escape lights and cloud ships entering and leaving the market were still endless. But upon closer observation, one could discover that the atmosphere in the market was different from the pure frenzy and anticipation for Opportunity before the "Guixu Sea" opened. There was a hint of solemnity, a hint of vigilance, and... a faint, lingering shadow.

In the streets and alleys, amidst the conversations of Cultivators, legends about "Guixu Sword Lord" Lin Wan, sporadic rumors about "the end," the increasingly tense friction between major regions, and news of some small and medium-sized forces mysteriously disappearing or being wiped out... all sorts of rumors were rampant.

Lin Wan and the others did not stop in the common areas and flew directly toward the Qingyun Sect's base in the Tiannan Ruins—"Qingyun Courtyard."

The courtyard remained the same, but the protective Formation had obviously been strengthened significantly. The Disciples guarding the entrance had been replaced by elites with more formidable auras and sharper gazes; their cultivation was at least at the Foundation Establishment Late Stage, and there were even several Golden Core Elders stationed there. Clearly, the Qingyun Sect had not relaxed its vigilance over these years.

When the three lowered their speed and landed in front of the courtyard gate, the guarding Disciples were stunned at first. Then, when they saw the faces of Lin Wan and Han Lingtian, they widened their eyes in disbelief, and immediately afterward, erupted with uncontrollable excitement and ecstasy!

"It's... it's Elder Lin! Elder Han! And Great Master Liao Chen!"

"Elder Lin is back! Elder Han is back!"

"Quick! Quickly report this to Peak Revered Master Yue! No, report directly to the Sect Head!"

The guarding Disciples were so excited they were incoherent. While sending someone rushing into the courtyard to report, they hurriedly opened the Restriction and bowed to welcome the three inside.

Inside the courtyard, the Elders and Disciples left behind who heard the news also poured out. Seeing Lin Wan and the others, they were all incredibly excited, and the sounds of salutations and greetings were endless. When the "Guixu Sea" opened back then, Lin Wan had defied the odds and killed the Nascent Soul Late Stage True Lord Xuanming, and Han Lingtian and Liao Chen had followed him in, after which there was no news of them. For several years, the Sect had been filled with worry, and there were even rumors that they had fallen in the depths of the Heavenly Ruins. Now, seeing that the three had not only returned safely but had also greatly improved in cultivation—especially Lin Wan, whose aura was unfathomable and awe-inspiring—how could they not be excited?

Soon, a Nascent Soul Early Stage Elder who had been left behind and whom Lin Wan found somewhat unfamiliar (evidently someone newly promoted or transferred over in the last few years) hurried out to meet them. Seeing Lin Wan, he bowed excitedly: "Junior Chen Xuan, serving as the resident Elder for this courtyard, greets Elder Lin, Elder Han, and Great Master Liao Chen! The Sect Head and Junior Martial Uncle Yue have long given strict orders that if Elder Lin returns, he must be reported immediately, no matter the time! Please, the three of you, wait in the 'Lingyun Hall' for a moment; the Clone projections of the Sect Head and Junior Martial Uncle Yue will descend very soon!"

"Thank you, Elder Chen," Lin Wan nodded, and with Han Lingtian and Liao Chen, escorted by the crowd, came to the courtyard's main hall, "Lingyun Hall."

Spiritual tea and fruits had already been prepared in the hall. The three had just sat down, and within less than the time it takes to burn a stick of incense, the space within the hall began to fluctuate slightly.

Two solid, clear, and powerful phantoms slowly emerged.

They were none other than the Qingyun Sect Leader, True Monarch Daoxuan, and Lin Wan's Revered Master, Peak Master Yue Lingyun! Both had used the Clone projection technique to descend here from a great distance. Clearly, they attached great importance to Lin Wan's return.

"Lin Wan!"

"Wan'er!"

True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun spoke almost simultaneously, their voices filled with uncontrollable excitement, relief, and a hint of having a burden lifted.

"Disciple Lin Wan pays respects to the Sect Head, pays respects to Revered Master." Lin Wan stood up and bowed respectfully to the two phantoms. Han Lingtian and Liao Chen also stood up to pay their respects.

"Good, good, good! It is good that you have returned! It is good that you have returned!" Peak Master Yue Lingyun's projection stepped forward, looking Lin Wan up and down, tears even shimmering faintly in his eyes. "Good lad! Not only did you return alive, but this cultivation... Nascent Soul Great Perfection?! And this aura... unfathomable! Good! Very good! My Qingyun Sect shall flourish!"

True Monarch Daoxuan also stroked his beard and smiled, his eyes filled with approval and emotion. "Lin Wan, your return this time, not only with greatly improved cultivation but also bringing back Han Lingtian and Great Master Liao Chen, is truly a blessing for our Sect. Seeing your steady auras and lingering Dao rhymes, you must have gained a great deal from this trip. However... there are quite a few rumors about you in the outside world."

He changed the subject, his tone carrying a hint of solemnity.

"Sect Head, Revered Master, this is a long story," Lin Wan said solemnly. "We have indeed experienced much on this trip, and we have learned some... secrets concerning the survival of this realm. However, this is not the place for a detailed discussion. This Disciple wishes to return to the Sect immediately to report the details in person. At the same time, I have some concerns and need to return to 'Guixu Peak' to take a look."

"Indeed, that is exactly what should be done," True Monarch Daoxuan nodded. "Since you have returned, go back to the Sect first. We will discuss the details after you return. A lot has happened in the Sect these past few years, and we just happen to need you back to preside over the overall situation."

"Preside over the overall situation?" Lin Wan raised an eyebrow, hearing the hidden meaning in True Monarch Daoxuan's words.

Peak Master Yue Lingyun sighed and said, "Wan'er, in the few years you have been away, the Sect has appeared calm, but in reality, undercurrents have been surging. Back then, you killed Ghost Hand and True Lord Xuanming, shaking the Southern Region, and obtained the Five Elements Sect's Legacy, which has already made the Sect a target of public criticism. Although the Sect Head and I have tried our best to suppress it, and with the 'guixu sword Seal' you left behind to deter them, there are not a few who covet your Legacy, are jealous of your rise, or have old ties with Ghost Hand and True Lord Xuanming. The interior of the Sect is not monolithic either; some people have become restless. Especially a year ago, news came from the Central Plains that signs of suspected 'the end' erosion had appeared in several remote regions. Although they were extinguished in time, it caused panic and suspicion among various major forces, making the situation even more delicate. Your return at this time is just right, but you also need to... be prepared."

Lin Wan's gaze was slightly cold. It seems that the tree desires stillness, but the wind does not cease. The covetousness from the outside and the undercurrents within had not subsided during the years he had been away due to his "disappearance." Instead, they had likely become even more complex due to the "Five Elements Sect Legacy" and the shadow of "the end."

"Disciple understands." Lin Wan said in a deep voice, "Since that is the case, there is no time to delay, let us depart for the Sect now."

"Good, you may return on your own. I will make preparations here at the Sect." True Monarch Daoxuan said.

Peak Master Yue Lingyun also exhorted: "Be careful on the way. There are quite a few people in the Southern Region eyeing you now."

"Revered Master, do not worry, this Disciple understands." Lin Wan nodded.

After exchanging a few more words with True Monarch Daoxuan and Peak Master Yue Lingyun and learning about the recent situation in the Sect (learning that Liu Ruyan, Chu Qingyao, and Lin Jingyun were all cultivating safely at Guixu Peak, and that Lin Jingyun had exceptional talent and had already formed a Golden Core), the three of them bade farewell and left Qingyun Courtyard, driving their escape light at full speed towards the mountain gate of Qingyun Sect.

This time, Lin Wan did not deliberately hide his tracks. Although the Spiritual Pressure of the Nascent Soul Great Perfection was restrained, the three of them traveled together at an extremely fast speed, still attracting the attention and speculation of many Cultivators along the way.

"Those three escape lights that just passed... such fast speed! Such powerful aura!"

"Looking at the direction, they are going from the Tiannan Ruins to the Qingyun Sect... could it be..."

"It is 'Guixu Sword Lord' Lin Wan! And Han Lingtian! They are back!"

"Heavens! 'Guixu Sword Lord' is still alive? And this aura... it seems even more terrifying than a few years ago!"

The news spread rapidly through the Southern Region as if it had wings. Countless gazes once again focused on the Qingyun Sect, focusing on that legendary figure who had disappeared for several years but had returned with even greater strength.

At this moment, Lin Wan was eager to return home, seemingly unheard of the discussions and prying eyes behind him. His gaze was already fixed on the distant horizon, at the towering, continuous, and mist-shrouded Tianyun Mountain Range.

Home was right ahead.

However, just as they were about to enter the territory of the Qingyun Sect, above a desolate mountain range less than a thousand miles from the mountain gate—

A sudden change occurred!

The void in front of them suddenly solidified and twisted without warning! A powerful, obscure Formation fluctuation, filled with cold and deathly aura, erupted with a boom, instantly turning the sky within dozens of miles into a strange Domain of gray and white that seemed capable of freezing Spiritual Qi and delaying the Divine Soul!

"Buzz—!!!"

Amidst the ear-piercing buzzing sound, twelve huge, pale-white pillars of light, resembling Soul-summoning banners, lit up simultaneously from all directions! Countless twisted, wailing ghostly shadows emerged on the pillars of light, emitting a thick, inextricable aura of netherworld Death Qi. They connected with each other, forming a massive "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation" that completely trapped the three of them in the center!

At the same time, several powerful figures, long hidden in the mountains below, with cold auras ranging from Nascent Soul Early Stage to Middle Stage, soared into the sky. Echoing with the twelve pillars of light, they completely surrounded Lin Wan and the others!

The leader wore a tattered black robe, his face shrouded in shadow, revealing only a pair of eyes burning with sickly green ghost fire. He was surrounded by Death Qi, and his aura had reached the Peak of the Nascent Soul Middle Stage! Behind him followed four Cultivators, also covered in black robes with cold auras, as well as... two old men wearing the robes of Ice Soul Palace Elders, with resentful expressions and auras at the Nascent Soul Early Stage!

"Lin Wan, you little bastard! Didn't expect this, did you? You actually dared to leave the Tiannan Ruins and return to the Sect alone? Today, this place will be your burial ground! This place is the price you must pay for killing Senior Brother Xuanming back then and forging a blood feud with my Ice Soul Palace and Xuanming Sect!"

One of the Ice Soul Palace Elders roared sharply, his eyes filled with bone-deep hatred. Clearly, they were the surviving Nascent Soul Elders of the Ice Soul Palace and the Xuanming Sect who hated Lin Wan to the bone. They had somehow received news of Lin Wan's return and set an ambush here, laying down this "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation" specifically designed to restrain living beings and target the Divine Soul, intending to completely eradicate Lin Wan, this major threat!

"Amitabha... Ice Soul Palace, Xuanming Sect... you really are like ghosts that won't go away." Liao Chen put his hands together, Buddhist light faintly appearing in his eyes.

Han Lingtian already had his heavy sword in hand, killing intent sharp in his eyes: "You remnants dare to come here to die with just the few of you?"

Lin Wan swept his gaze calmly across the Formation, across the few black-robed Cultivators and the Ice Soul Palace Elders, and the corners of his mouth slowly curled into a cold arc that seemed capable of freezing the Soul.

"I did not intend to commit more slaughter, but since you have delivered yourselves to my doorstep..."

He slowly raised his right hand, and the guixu sword slowly slid out from the scabbard on his back. The Chaos-colored blade appeared particularly striking and dazzling in this gray, deathly, and silent Domain.

"...Then, I will send you all together to keep Ghost Hand, Xuanming, and Ming Gu... company."

Before his voice faded, the aura that had been restrained to the extreme around him erupted! Like a volcano that had been dormant for eons, like a vast starry sea descending! The terrifying Spiritual Pressure of the Nascent Soul Great Perfection, mixed with the supreme Chaos Dao rhyme of the Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed, swept through the entire "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation" like a tangible, monstrous wave!

"What?! Nascent Soul Great Perfection?!"

"This... how is this possible?! He was only at the Golden Core stage a few years ago!"

The lead black-robed Cultivator and the Ice Soul Palace Elders, feeling the terrifying aura of Lin Wan that was like an ancient beast, had their expressions change instantly. The hatred and killing intent in their eyes were instantly replaced by boundless terror!

They had thought that even if Lin Wan returned, his cultivation would be at most at the Nascent Soul Middle Stage. Relying on this carefully prepared "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation" that specifically restrained the Divine Soul, plus the combined efforts of their six Nascent Souls (four black-robed Nascent Soul Early Stage, two Ice Soul Palace Nascent Soul Early Stage), it would be enough to surround and kill him.

But they never expected that not only was Lin Wan alive, but his cultivation had reached the shocking Nascent Soul Great Perfection! Moreover, the vastness of his aura and the terror of his Dao rhyme far exceeded that of an ordinary Nascent Soul Great Perfection, giving them the illusion of facing those unfathomable Soul Transformation Old Ancestors who had been in seclusion in the Sect for years!

"Retreat! Quickly retreat!"

The lead black-robed Cultivator reacted the fastest. Without hesitation, he hissed and turned to tear through space and flee. Any blood feud, any Sect mission, was not worth mentioning in the face of his own life.

However, it was too late.

"Want to leave now? It is too late."

Lin Wan's cold voice echoed in the depths of everyone's Divine Soul like a pronouncement from the Grim Reaper.

The guixu sword in his hand swung gently towards the "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation" that covered the sky and earth, and towards the six terrified Nascent Soul Cultivators within the Formation.

"Five Elements Guixu—All Laws are Empty, one sword... settles grievances."

A void sword trace, only a zhang long, Chaos-colored, containing the birth and destruction of nebulas, and seemingly capable of severing Karma and breaking all laws, extended quietly from the tip of the sword. It instantly swept across the void, across the twelve pale-white pillars of light, and across the six Nascent Soul Cultivators.

There was no earth-shattering explosion, no shrill screams.

Where the sword trace passed, the "Twelve Capitals Netherworld Soul-Locking Formation," which seemed solid and capable of trapping and killing Nascent Soul Cultivators, shattered and annihilated silently like soap bubbles under the sun. The twelve pillars of light, along with the wailing ghosts on them, dissipated instantly.

And those six Nascent Soul Cultivators, whether it was the black-robed leader who turned to flee, the Ice Soul Palace Elder who looked desperate, or the four black-robed Cultivators who had not yet reacted, their bodies, along with the Nascent Souls within them, and their terrified Divine Souls, solidified and stiffened the moment the sword trace passed.

The next moment, like sand sculptures blown away by the wind, they disintegrated and collapsed inch by inch, turning into gray ash that filled the sky. Along with their storage Magic Treasures and life-bound Magical Artifacts, they all returned to silence, leaving no trace.

One sword, the Formation broken, the people dead.

The world returned to clarity. Only a faint, lingering trace of the "Guixu" deathly Dao rhyme slowly dissipated in the wind, proving that the short-lived yet terrifying scene just now was not an illusion.

Han Lingtian and Liao Chen, even though they had already re-evaluated Lin Wan's strength, were still shocked and speechless to see him casually kill six Nascent Soul Cultivators (including one at the Peak of the Middle Stage) and break the Netherworld Formation specifically designed to restrain the Divine Soul with a single sword strike.

Is this the true strength of a Nascent Soul Great Perfection, the wielder of the Five Elements Guixu Dao Seed? Below the Soul Transformation stage, it is probably truly... invincible, right?

Lin Wan slowly put away his sword, his expression remaining calm, as if he had just brushed away a few annoying flies.

"Let's go, let's go home."

He no longer looked at the empty void, turned around, and continued to fly towards the direction of the Qingyun Sect's mountain gate.

Han Lingtian and Liao Chen looked at each other, suppressed the waves in their hearts, and hurriedly followed.

After this battle, the news of Lin Wan's return, as well as the terrifying strength he displayed that far exceeded the past, would spread through the Southern Region and to the five major regions at an even faster speed.

The winds and clouds of the Southern Region were destined to be completely... set ablaze by the return of this "Guixu Sword Lord".